酷兔英语

 

听力与文本

Section 1:


Lawyer:

I assure you this is not a joke. Each inheritance, no matter how insignificant and trivial, was of great value to Mr. Thomas. He went through a great deal of trouble to put these into your hand. As I understand it, each object represented a turning point of his life. Each of you will find a letter in your folder from Mr. Thomas explaining to you the value of his gift. Although I can't force you to keep these endowment,  at least to feel an obligation of courtesy about reading his letter. After that you can do with you please.


Mr. Griffin:

Many years ago, before beginning work at the lighthouse, I was miserablyunemployed with a young family to feed. I was down to my last few dollars. The essentialgrocery that day came to 16 dollars and 90 cents. When I reach for my money it was gone. I was humiliated. As I took my wife Brady's arm and started to leave someone touched me. John, that man was your late father. I was only one minute in his presence,  but I'll never forget him. He didn't have much either but he had something I really needed: he had character. I spent last 50 years trying to pass on all he gave me in that single one minute encounter. John now I am returning the money your father gave me long ago. Now you carry the baton.

Sincerely, Frank Thomas

Vocabulary:
Inheritance; endowment; obligation; character; baton


Section 2:


Dearest Mrs. Williams:

I never thank you for the difference you made in my life many years ago. I was watching from the lighthouse the day you lost your daughter on the beach. But you didn't notice me. I cried along with you. Oddly, We lost our own child not long after yours. She was my inspiration and my life. The lost was more than I could accept. I became very bitter. Months passed but the dark clouds stayed with me. It hung over me like a shadowy shroud. And then, "Beautiful day isn't it? Would you like a flower?" You dealt with your lost and were able to carry on. Your smile gave me the courage to go on as well. And your flower has been my constantreminder to keep my head up regardless of the storm. Thank you Dona, I'll give your darling daughter a hug and a kiss when I see her.
 
Dear Richard:

Your shell is the one object I valued most. I felt it was finally the time I returned it. You see, many years ago, this shell belonged to you. You were young, recently married, and hopelessly in love. As I happened to pass you on the beach that day you didn't notice me. But I couldn't help noticing you: how happy, how dedicated to each other you and your young bride were. You made me cried enviously, you know. My own marriage was fading fast. But you two set my mind racing back to the time when we were totally in love like you and very happy. As I watched you I heard a phrase I have forgotten how to say: I love you. I've heard your words every time I looked at that shell. It has given me the courage to swallow my pride. My life has become so enjoyable after that. Thank you for the power of your example and those few well-placed kind words. 

Vocabulary:
Reminder; hang over; shroud; dedicate to; fade

 



Lighthouse: vocabulary

 

 

Inheritance

e.g. You should use your inheritance wisely.

 

endowment

e.g The school was founded on an endowment fund.

obligation

e.g. We all have obligation to protect extinguishing animals.

character

e.g. I would rather marry a person who may not have much money but have character.

baton

e.g. After taking care of homeless animals for 50 years, the old lady passed the baton to her son.

 

 

Reminder

e.g. The last thing a women want is the constantreminder of her gliding youth.

hang over

e.g. The dark clouds hang over the city.

shroud

e.g. The magic show has always been shrouded in mystery.

dedicate to

If you say that someone has dedicated themselves to something, you approve of the fact that they have decided to give a lot of time and effort to it because they think that it is important.

 

fade

e.g. Our glamorous feelings is fading away.